The Energon Pub

[EunuchRon]

FINALLY got Leader Dragonstorm at the local TRU!!! Sad to say there was only one, but at least he hit the shelf after all this time.

[Qwan]

Well, I finally encountered the Wave 2 Deluxes at a Big W last night. Naturally they were halfway across the store from the "regular" Transformers section, so I only found the display by total chance - they've probably been there for a week by this point, and I just hadn't seen them until now.

Decided not to get any just yet, since they were $30AU (blech) and I'd just spent $200 on UW Computron less than a week ago. I'll probably pick up Steelbane this weekend since he's the only Wave-2er I'm even a little interested in and I'm a weak-willed individual, but Wave 3 is where it's really at for me.

[Evil Eye]

Nitro has been broken out of his cardboard prison.

I can see where people are coming from on why they think he's a great figure, I just can't fully agree with them.

While it's a new take on a transforming jet, the figure is quite bland. Which is where I think the figure fully excels.

In having potential to be someone else.

Most of us will have seen the Thunderwing customs out there. So a different head and a lot more paint apps would REALLY make this figure pop.

Is it a bad figure? No, definitely not, but I wouldn't call him figure of the year, not when you factor in a good chunk of Titans Return figures.

Myself, I want him because I find his personality endearing and his design cool. Plus he's named after a cyberattack, which is a damn cool idea. I'm headcanoning that he actually WAS the cyberattack, and the "Stuxnet based virus" thing is a cover story. I'm also headcanoning that he's Shockwave's twin brother, far more of a chad but just as much of a genius (he just knows how to conceal it- "Knowledge is power, hide it well" and all).

Finally, I'm headcanoning that by the time I can properly collect at will again that I'll be able to find him for a sensible price.

[EunuchRon]

Everytime you say headcannon I think of Lockdown.

[-Kanrabat-]

I talked about it in the haul thead but allow me to repeat it here. Steelbane is SOLID... That is, once you Pledge the shayt out of his balljoints.

Betterave stop typing now because the autocorrect of my phone turn every other words into a random Frensh word ans it's pretty annoying.

[-Kanrabat-]

Finally got some TLK Legions. Here's the reviews, TL;Dr style:

Hound: Heh, basic. Could have used some paint on the truck's windows.

Megatron: What everyone say. Megs is PURE SEX!

Dragonstorm: Simple, yet so satisfying and VERY well painted all over.

[Burn]

Finally got some TLK Legions. Here's the reviews, TL;Dr style:

Hound: Heh, basic. Could have used some paint on the truck's windows.

Megatron: What everyone say. Megs is PURE SEX!

Dragonstorm: Simple, yet so satisfying and VERY well painted all over.

You need to start doing video reviews like this.

[-Kanrabat-]

You need to start doing video reviews like this.

That would be an idea. 30 seconds reviews would be an original and fun format. However, it would need some work and heavy editing to make these interesting. My computer is total crap so I can forget it for a while.

Speaking of heavy editing there is a reviewer that is VERY talented and VERY funny. Jobby The Hong. Here's a TLK review to show his style. Go watch the others too. Even if the reviewed figure don't interest you or is not for a Transformers, the videos themselves always deserves a watch.

[Burn]

You need to start doing video reviews like this.

That would be an idea. 30 seconds reviews would be an original and fun format.

• Holds figure up
• "This is crap/awesome"
• The End.

[Qwan]

You need to start doing video reviews like this.

That would be an idea. 30 seconds reviews would be an original and fun format. However, it would need some work and heavy editing to make these interesting. My computer is total crap so I can forget it for a while.

Speaking of heavy editing there is a reviewer that is VERY talented and VERY funny. Jobby The Hong. Here's a TLK review to show his style. Go watch the others too. Even if the reviewed figure don't interest you or is not for a Transformers, the videos themselves always deserves a watch.

[snippitysnop]

Ah Jobby, the hottest new toy reviewer on the block and source of many memorable quotes that I'm sure aren't remotely suitable for these boards


Now, if I may present my own brand of unnecessarily-lengthy and anecdote-filled reviews for a couple TLK toys. Brace yourself, here we go. Wall of text, comin' through. As I mentioned a couple days ago, I finally ran into the second-wave deluxes and though I didn't get any of them at the time, I had planned on maybe buying Steelbane. Well come yesterday I picked the guy up, despite generally less-than-positive reviews from most, since I thought he looked cool and I felt like getting something different from the usual vehicle-formers.

Annnnnd... he kinda sucks.

From what I can gather, the copy I got has really good joints - like, he can hold up his own weight, and even manage a few poses in robot mode! - but that doesn't save him from a restricted-feeling robot mode and a dragon mode that just has an overall air of unfinished-ness. In robot mode it seems like everything gets in everything else's way - calves in the way of (really weirdly jointed) feet, pauldrons in the way of arms, backwings in the way of LITERALLY EVERYTHING - and his head sits so far back that it sinks behind his giant shoulders and chest and practically disappears. Dragon mode with its gappy back, shoulder section that locks nowhere at all and awfully-articulated front legs that leave him perpetually knock-kneed, is no better - I'd argue worse - than the robot. He is a bad dragon (I know what I did ).

Don't get me wrong, he has his occasional saving graces. He's got a cool aesthetic and concept behind him, his transformation is a breath of super-fresh air whose only similarity is a passing resemblance to an upside-down Nitro Zeus, and to borrow one of Jobby's more family-friendly stock phrases the painting and the sculpting on this figure is excellent. (I especially love the silver-painted cross-like detail on his chest, it looks super great.) But for $30AU, 20% again the price of a TR Deluxe, he was entirely unsatisfying and left me with probably the worst case of buyer's remorse since AoE Drift.

In fact, this remorse was so bad after about 3 hours that I needed something to wash the taste out. Enter the one figure I was entirely convinced I wouldn't buy from this line, and the biggest surprise hit for me in recent memory - Deluxe Sqweeks.

I could go on for hours, nay, days about how much I despise the character of Sqweeks. From his unappealing design to his clearly marketing-focused """personality""", from his grating speech pattern to his totally superfluous role in the worst Transformers movie yet to the ACTUAL WORST NAME I HAVE EVER LAID MY EYES UPON. Yet despite all that, after my bad experience with going against recommendations and picking up Steelbane, I decided to go with the flow on this apparently fantastic toy and see where it took me. And it took me to Blisstown, Awesomesauce Country, Population: Deluxe Sqweeks.

I don't know what it is, exactly, about this figure that just works so much better than his on-screen self to me. In tinier plastic form, his design goes from butt-ugly to the intended "ugly-cute" kind of appealing. I admittedly picked through about 8 of him to find my favorite, but while the 'rust' painted onto him doesn't look all that much like rust, it does look nice and goes well with his color-scheme. His articulation is nowhere near the expected level from a Deluxe, but it doesn't honestly need to be - his head can turn a bit, arms can do more-or-less what you want them to, and he can doot-de-doo with the best of them. What more could you expect from a figure of his size?

And while we're on size, despite being significantly smaller than Steelbane (minus his trailer, which I'll get to briefly in a moment) he actually ends up feeling bigger. Maybe it's because he seems like a really chunky Legends figure rather than Steelbane's puny-Deluxe aura, but he has a similar impression of size to that of the likewise-rather-short-for-his-class TR Broadside. Even on his own he feels way more worth it than Steelbane, but add in that fun transforming trailer (it looks so good and it's so fun!) and he blasts through that price-point with aplomb.

And what can I say about vehicle mode? It's a super-clever transformation (with a point or two docked for the partsforming handlebars/arms, and another couple lost for not putting the clearly-altmode-parts anywhere on the altmode and instead just sticking them in a literal box of bits) and a vehicle that looks believable and fantastic from literally every conceivable angle - now I remember why I thought Movie toys were their own brand of awesome! Unique alt-modes always give me a bit of joy, especially when they look totally incapable of transforming in any convincing manner, and this is no exception. I honestly think this guy is about the closest we've come to actual mass-shifting in Transformers toys so far; neither mode seems like it should be capable of coming from the other, and yet they do!

And with all that gushing, I've still failed to mention the extra arms (dumb but fun, especially with a Decepticon reprolabel on the bulky one), the play features of the trailer (a better base than most of Titans Return managed IMO) or how his vehicle mode is the perfect size to sit other toys on for fun and profit (pictures coming soon I promise). Suffice to say this toy did more than wash Steelbane out of mind: it left me feeling satisfied with the day's purchases despite still having earlier bought Steelbane. In fact, it might even be turning my opinion around on Sqweeks as a whole, and if that's not a miracle then I don't know what is.

Except for that name.

That name can still burn like the concentrated garbage it is.

[Duke of Luns]

Yes, Sqweeks is indeed good! I knew from the first pics I'd like him.

Also, my Steelbane's joints feel fine, and after figuring out how the chest locks in robot mode, I find it to be a decent figure, in robot mode. That dragon mode is kinda meh.

On a related note, I finally got around to watching Last Knight on Blu-Ray(saw it in theatres of course), and yeah the toy line is way more interesting than the movie it's based on.

[Qwan]

Also, my Steelbane's joints feel fine, and after figuring out how the chest locks in robot mode, I find it to be a decent figure, in robot mode. That dragon mode is kinda meh.

After working out how Steelbane's chest locks in robot mode, I'm just even more frustrated that it's not doing what I can clearly tell it's meant to be doing. Maybe my copy isn't 'perfect' after all, but though nothing flops around in the chestal region he certainly doesn't feel good when moving his arms and various other attached parts. Everything stays in place, technically, but it's all mushy and feels like it could all come tumbling down (tumbling down, tumbling down...) at a moment's notice.

But hey, Sqweeks is good, yes! Good toy, that one. Gotta keep the endless positivity flowing or I won't be myself any more!

[EunuchRon]

I like Steelbane and Skullitron. They look wicked cool in robo mode, and the wyvern/dragon alt mode ain't perfect but it's unique, and I kind of dig how it looks when the wings are extended. What I don't like is how fidgety the legs are in robo mode. They're a bummer to make stand up straight.

Sqweeks is totally my amigo-bot! He's kind of like, what if we put a useless Go-Bot in the Bayverse but had him do something critical to the movie plot? He wasted the gun platform and then used his arm cannon to roll himself out of danger. Totally badass move for a wimpy little scrap heap. Should get an Autobot Medal of Honor or something. I totally dig that, and the toy... he's one of my favs. I don't mind the partsforming, I mean, my fav bot of all time is a partsformer, Omega Supreme, and Squeeks got storage so you don't lose the parts. Awesome and easy transformation, looks sweet in both modes, can't tell he's a 'former at all in his alt mode which makes him one of the most convincing 'formers OF ALL TIME and probably best deluxe I've seen for that, plus he comes with that sweet trailer, 'con arm, and a BFG for a weapon. Got to be one of my all time fav figures just for the accessory factor alone. Plus, you can make Deadpool ride him! How awesome is that?

[william-james88]

Sqweeks is one of my favourite figures from the line. I love him. He seems more worth the deluxe price than any other deluxe I can think of in that line.

[D-Maximal_Primal]

Sqweeks is definitely one of the better deluxes from the line. I do enjoy him, and I am so glad Will sent him to me, seeing as how I still haven't seen him here.

Those legions... I really want Hound and Dragonstorm. they, Bee, and Cogman are all that's left that I want to get. And they are so expensive online... $20 for legions? NOPE

[Evil Eye]

I've been very tempted to buy Sqweeks, I must admit. But...I dunno, £21 for the little fella seems a bit steep.

As far as other figures I want but don't have...

Steelbane LOOKS cool as hell, and if I can fix his joints with the ol' pledge or superglue trick, I might get him...IF I get him cheap. I do like how his chest panel forms an unintentional St. George's Cross, gives him a real "English Knight" vibe.

Skullitron, silly name aside, is much the same. His paint looks nice too. But I will be renaming him (Brazenclaw?) and possibly rearming him so he isn't using the exact same sword as Steelbane.

Nitro Zeus looks pretty nifty. I'd buy him at full price in honesty.

Voyager Megatron, again, I'd buy. He'll be my Fallen (or Liege Maximo, I haven't decided which) but regardless he looks awesome.

Berserker I am expecting to bin and when he does I'll pick him up. He's a cool design, but not £21 cool.

Hound, eh, if I get any version it'll be that Japanese version with all the dakka and the shield.

Crosshairs I might get for customizing into a different character. Could maybe make a decent Minerva in a TF2 Medic style coat, with some resculpting, Headmaster adaptation and a new paintjob?

Now, watch me not buy most of these because I've caught the MP bug!

[Qwan]

Sqweeks is definitely one of the better deluxes from the line. I do enjoy him, and I am so glad Will sent him to me, seeing as how I still haven't seen him here.

Those legions... I really want Hound and Dragonstorm. they, Bee, and Cogman are all that's left that I want to get. And they are so expensive online... $20 for legions? NOPE

I'd offer to pick the Legions up for you (they're all around my area... somehow), but there's a certain point at which postage costs outweigh the benefits of not paying scalper price. And that certain point is Australia

[Bronzewolf]

The holiday season is here, and that of course means it's time for retailer's holiday toy catalogues! Yes, the beloved tradition continues, as most big box stores have released (either digitally or physically) their yearly books of the top toys by now. We're taking a look at Wal-mart's today, where they have included a (albeit small) TF section!

Despite 2017 being a movie year, and a big year for TFs in general, the catalogue features just two toys: The Wal-Mart exclusive Transformers The Last Knight Flip and Change Bumblebee, and the non-transforming dancing Sqweeks figurine. The less then ideal feature follows the trend of the last few years, with less and less Transformers products featured in these retailer catalogues.
Check out the TF section of the catalogue mirrored below, and then go check out the full toy book over on Wal-Mart's website!

[D-Maximal_Primal]

Sqweeks is definitely one of the better deluxes from the line. I do enjoy him, and I am so glad Will sent him to me, seeing as how I still haven't seen him here.

Those legions... I really want Hound and Dragonstorm. they, Bee, and Cogman are all that's left that I want to get. And they are so expensive online... $20 for legions? NOPE

I'd offer to pick the Legions up for you (they're all around my area... somehow), but there's a certain point at which postage costs outweigh the benefits of not paying scalper price. And that certain point is Australia

It's about the same with Canada! Will has seen them, but the shipping would just make it about the same as scalper prices. Argh.

I did buy Cogman from one of the Chinese sellers yesterday, and he shipped this morning, so we'll see what happens there. I also pre-ordered the War Hammer Bee, so at least if I don't see Bee at all, I'll get one at about the same price as he is right now online with a hammer.

[Bronzewolf]

Sqweeks is definitely one of the better deluxes from the line. I do enjoy him, and I am so glad Will sent him to me, seeing as how I still haven't seen him here.

Those legions... I really want Hound and Dragonstorm. they, Bee, and Cogman are all that's left that I want to get. And they are so expensive online... $20 for legions? NOPE

I'd offer to pick the Legions up for you (they're all around my area... somehow), but there's a certain point at which postage costs outweigh the benefits of not paying scalper price. And that certain point is Australia

It's about the same with Canada! Will has seen them, but the shipping would just make it about the same as scalper prices. Argh.

I did buy Cogman from one of the Chinese sellers yesterday, and he shipped this morning, so we'll see what happens there. I also pre-ordered the War Hammer Bee, so at least if I don't see Bee at all, I'll get one at about the same price as he is right now online with a hammer.

Yep, the drought continues over here, too. JUST saw leader Dragonstorm two days ago, and then legion Crosshairs and Drift a week or so ago, both at TRU. Main retail is hopeless, still.

I'll be lucky to get a Sqweeks, let alone a Cogman.

[D-Maximal_Primal]

Sqweeks is definitely one of the better deluxes from the line. I do enjoy him, and I am so glad Will sent him to me, seeing as how I still haven't seen him here.

Those legions... I really want Hound and Dragonstorm. they, Bee, and Cogman are all that's left that I want to get. And they are so expensive online... $20 for legions? NOPE

I'd offer to pick the Legions up for you (they're all around my area... somehow), but there's a certain point at which postage costs outweigh the benefits of not paying scalper price. And that certain point is Australia

It's about the same with Canada! Will has seen them, but the shipping would just make it about the same as scalper prices. Argh.

I did buy Cogman from one of the Chinese sellers yesterday, and he shipped this morning, so we'll see what happens there. I also pre-ordered the War Hammer Bee, so at least if I don't see Bee at all, I'll get one at about the same price as he is right now online with a hammer.

Yep, the drought continues over here, too. JUST saw leader Dragonstorm two days ago, and then legion Crosshairs and Drift a week or so ago, both at TRU. Main retail is hopeless, still.

I'll be lucky to get a Sqweeks, let alone a Cogman.

I actually gave up. My stores in this area never went past wave 1 save for some random sightings, and never for the deluxes or leaders. the voyager class are now the only one I've seen all the figures for since Hound and Megatron just showed up after Scorn and Nitro went in a day here. Other than that, dry. The stores also said they are not ordering any more TLK stuff since the same figures are still on the shelves for the most part. The same Bee with the same paint imperfection has been here since May 6, along with his entire wave.

So yeah, just pay the higher online prices, TLK's distribution completely failed.

[fruityrobo]

but the real question is WHERE IS THE DELUXE HOT ROD IN THE US STORES?

[Bronzewolf]

but the real question is WHERE IS THE DELUXE HOT ROD IN THE US STORES?

Yep, it really is. He's been in the UK for, What, two months now? Three? The distribution really did fail.

[william-james88]

but the real question is WHERE IS THE DELUXE HOT ROD IN THE US STORES?

It will probably not be stocked. Several Walmart transformers toys have been only available online, especially the ones geared more at collectors and not part of a mainline. This late in the game for TLK toys, it may be easier for Walmart to simply have this be an online exclusive and not bother with the trouble of distributing solid cases to stores of the same product and instead just have it all be in a warehouse.

[Jelze Bunnycat]

but the real question is WHERE IS THE DELUXE HOT ROD IN THE US STORES?

It will probably not be stocked. Several Walmart transformers toys have been only available online, especially the ones geared more at collectors and not part of a mainline. This late in the game for TLK toys, it may be easier for Walmart to simply have this be an online exclusive and not bother with the trouble of distributing solid cases to stores of the same product and instead just have it all be in a warehouse.

In that case, keep an eye on those liquidator stores. You never know who'll buy up all those lovely warehouse warmers